Can women with sagging breast get a gummy bear implant?

Question

I went from a B to a D during my pregnancy and now that I'm 2 years done breastfeeding I'm barley a B I have a lot of excess skin, would I be able to get a lift and an implant? Or would I need a lift the come back for an implant? My dr. Told me women with sagging breast can't get that type of implant due to the breast poor structure because of the excess skin and sagging. Thanks for your tips.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I prefer to stage the operations doing the lift first, waiting for it to heal, the doing the breast augmentation.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The term gummy bear implant is widely used to describe a large variety of cohesive gel or silicone implants. The term first was applied to form stable implants which hold their tear drop shape.  An example would be Allergan 410 implants.  With the introduction of firmer cohesive gel implants such as Sientra, the term has been broadened by many physicians:  See link belowIn terms of utility, any implant can function effectively in breast augmentation/breast lift procedures.  Advantages of cohesive gel implants include:  less rippling, perhaps longer life span of the implants, textured surfaces can reduce incidence of capsular contracture, and more natural feel.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

If you have natural, deflated breasts from breast feeding you may be able to achieve a fuller, perkier look by augmenting your breasts with implants, tightening the skin with a lift, or some combination of the two. The first question is how big you want to be. If you are truly restoring lost volume and your nipples do not point towards the floor, you may be able to achieve your goals with the right implant placed using the right technique. Your board certified plastic surgeon should be able to help you understand what you can expect by examining your anatomy, the quality of your breast tissue, and utilising 3D imaging to simulate your results. Hope that helps!

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

If you need a lift, it does not matter what type of implant is used.  You still need the lift component, and no implant can change that.  Whether you can do them at the same time or not just depends on the level of lift needed and the size of the implant.  The bigger the lift needed, the more difficult it is to get a good aesthetic result with a single stage surgery.  As far as the actual type and style of implant, all silicone gel implants used these days are cohesive - it just varies with different levels, making the implants softer or firmer.  The ones that are getting the most media attention these days are the anatomically shaped, textured silcione gel implants.  However, these are not ideal implants for breast augmenation patients.  They are more suited for breast reconstruction cases after breast cancer.  I hope this helps.

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

While a cohesive or gummy bear implant may be the right implant for you, you'll likely still need a lift. The lift can be done at the same time as the implant or they can be staged - doing the lift first to get you a better shaped breast followed by an implant for a bigger breast. Gummy bear implants AREN"T THE SOLUTION TO ALL BREAST PROBLEMS they're just the newest spin on implants that haven't changed much in the last 40 years. Get a couple opinions then make an informed decision thats right for you. Good luck.

David J. Levens, MD · Answer

Sounds like you will need both a lift and implants and the two can be combined. As to the choice of implant that is up for discussion between you and your plastic surgeon. The term "gummy bear" is used casually and means different things to different people. It was coined to describe the latest generation of silicone gel implants that are more cohesive and keep their shape better. They can be smooth, textured, round or shaped. Many use the term gummy to specifically describe the shaped implants which are textured and must be placed very precisely to control the position and tear drop or anatomic shape upright for optimal breat appearance. The excess skin needs to be reduced and a precise pocket designed for the shaped implant and you would be able to have that if you wish.

Julian Gordon, MD · Answer

Your story is one I hear a few times a week in my practice.  It is very common for breasts to become engorged during pregnancy and breast feeding and then to lose volume even beyond the pre-pregnancy state after breast feeding concludes.Depending on the look and size of breast you desire, a choice of implant style (round, shaped, textured, smooth), type (silicone or saline) and position (under/over the muscle) would be determined during your consult.  Also, depending on the size of implant you chose and the amount of excess skin that you have, you may or may not need a lift.  Furthermore, there are many different kinds of lifts that can be done with varying amounts of scarring depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.

Gerard Lambe, MBChB · Answer

Hi It is difficult to say without examining you in person. It does sound like you require both a lift and an implant. It is safer to do these procedures separately but this means more downtime and more expense. There are a number of surgeons experienced in doing both together but you would be wise to ask how many they do and see there results . Best wishes

Sean Kelishadi, MD · Answer

Hello.  The term "gummy bear implant" has been loosely used in the media and mainly pertains to the most highly cohesive form stable gel available on the market. So, yes, you too are eligible to use the newest and greatest silicone breast implants for augmentation! It is hard to tell what you need without photos to start with and a physical exam for accuracy.  However, the purpose of the implants is to increase volume.  In my experience, in patients with thinned out skin, going under the muscle gives another layer of protection and decreases chances of seeing visible rippling or the outline of the implant.  As for poor structure, sagging, and excess skin --> if these are indeed found to be true on you, then a lift (also known as mastopexy) can be performed to give a better shape to the breast, reduce sagging, and/or get rid of excess skin.  Depending on the degree of sagging and the comfort level of your plastic surgeon, some prefer to stage the procedure (i.e. perform either the lift or the augmentation first and then follow with the other as a separate procedure) while many others are comfortable performing both at once in the right candidates.  Please visit a qualified Plastic Surgeon and I hope this helps!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Yes, a gummy bear or cohesive silicone gel breast implant can be used in any breast. Often if your nipple has sagged below the fold under your breast, a condition called Ptosis, a combination breast lift and implant can be done. This may be staged in two operations or done at the same time. For more information please read the following link:

Can women with sagging breast get a gummy bear implant?

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